This Week in History: May 7th - May 13th

It’s that time again – let’s dive into a wealth of history and interesting moments across time that deserve to be celebrated again and again. Our One News Page time machine is always ready to roll with a whole host of historical titbits – so sit back and take a brief trip with us to cast eyes over what went down this week in years, decades and centuries past!

May 7th, 2017 – Macron Wins French ElectionA late runner in proceedings having seen off a number of higher-profile candidates for the job, France’s Emmanuel Macron succeeds Francois Hollande as the French Premier – beating controversial opponent Marine Le Pen to the punch. Famous Birthday: Michael Rosen (Poet), 72and Graham Pierrepoint (One News Page Writer), 31!Editor's Note: Many happy returns, Graham!

May 8th, 1980 – Smallpox Wiped OutIt’s official – on this day, 38 years ago, the World Health Organization made the announcement that smallpox had finally been eradicated from the planet – a huge moment for a disease which had taken so many lives in centuries past.Famous Birthday: Enrique Iglesias (Singer), 43

May 9th, 1962 – The Beatles Get SignedThe Fab Four took their first steps towards super stardom this week some 56 years ago – as Paul, John, George and Ringo signed their first recording contract with Parlophone.Famous Birthday: Billy Joel (Singer), 68

May 10th, 1940 – Winston Churchill Becomes UK PremierArguably the most iconic British leader of the 20th century – if not of all time – Churchill would claim his seat as Prime Minister 78 years ago this week – and would oversee Britain’s eventual role in the victory over Nazi Germany in 1945.Famous Birthday: Fred Astaire (Actor and Dancer), 1899 - 1987

May 11th, 1981 – Bob Marley Dies / May 11th, 2001 – Douglas Adams DiesTwo of the biggest names in Western popular culture passed away on this day across time – albeit from two very different spheres. Undoubtedly one of the most iconic reggae artists of his generation – if not full stop – Marley would sadly pass away 37 years ago this week. Adams, celebrated author of The Hitch-Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy novels and the Dirk Gently series, would pass away in 2001 on the same day.Famous Birthday: Salvador Dali (Artist), 1904 – 1989

May 12th, 2002 – Carter Makes Cuban HistoryDespite having been out of office for some time, ex-US President Jimmy Carter would make history this week in 2002 by being the first American premier to visit Fidel Castro’s regime since his revolution of 1959.Famous Birthday: Tony Hawk (Skateboarder), 49

May 13th, 2004 – ‘Frasier’ Ends on NBCOne of the longest-running TV spin-offs of all time, Frasier – a sitcom surrounding the life of radio psychiatrist years on from his days on ‘Cheers’ – would end to the tune of 33 million viewers 14 years ago this week.Famous Birthday: Stevie Wonder (Singer / Pianist), 67

From the sinking of the Lusitania to a botched heist of the Crown Jewels, here are the events you should know about from this week in history. Report by Dessentjacksonl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

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